According to psychology professor and researcher John Bargh, "snap" decisions are often wrong. In accessible, often humorous discussions of how the mind works, he give examples of inexplicable changes in attitude (holding a warm drink can make one feel "warmer" towards other people). He also explains how we can train our minds to override subconscious notions and shape our environment to support more thoughtful decision-making.

What makes the difference between highly successful salespeople and those who are just average? Sales consultant Stephen Harvill decided to find out by interviewing 175 topnotch sellers from different industries. Detailing their 21 best practices, he offers tips for remembering the strategies and applying them consistently. From four "essential" behaviors through client relationship tips and personal performance advice, Harvill presents an inspiring and easy-to-follow road map to success.

In We Need to Talk, Georgia Public Broadcasting news program host and TED Talker Celest Headlee offers advice on improving direct communications between individuals. She explains why conversation is important, though it may be difficult, and presents tips on how to do it better. Emphasizing good listening and empathy, this well-researched book offers a valuable resource for those who want to improve understanding -- even among people who disagree with each other.

Building on their earlier marketing book Blue Ocean Strategy, business professors W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne provide practical methods that any kind of organization can use to move from the constraints of "Red Ocean" (swarming with rivals) markets to wide-open "Blue Ocean" opportunities. Full of real-life examples and presenting five practical steps to "Making a Blue Ocean Shift," this manual will be "empowering to business-minded readers" (Kirkus Reviews).

When you plan for retirement, it's important to manage your money well, but it's also important to take good care of your body, mind, and spirit. The first chapter of this engaging resource vividly portrays the differences between people who manage stress levels well, stay fit, and interact socially -- and those who don't. After the attention-grabbing introduction, titled "Wake-up Call", Refire! offers advice on maintaining all aspects of your well-being, which is important to enjoying the benefits of your successful financial planning.

The New York Times best-selling author of Get a Financial Life counsels parents on how to teach their children about smart money management, sharing jargon-free advice on subjects ranging from delayed gratification and living within one's means to getting a solid education and using credit cards responsibly.

Economics teacher and self-proclaimed enthusiast Alfred Mill makes details of the Social Security system easy to take while walking you through the labyrinth of rules and regulations. Covering Medicare, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income (in addition to the basic government-sponsored retirement plan), he adds intriguing anecdotes and data illustrations to make the mountainous details relevant. If you're approaching retirement, this is a helpful resource to accompany Jane Bryant Quinn's How to Make Your Money Last.

The New York Times best-selling author of Predictably Irrational and his co-author share anecdotal insight into the illogical influences behind poor financial decisions and how to outmaneuver them, covering topics ranging from credit-card debt and household budgeting to holiday spending and real estate sales. 75,000 first printing.

Though money experts advise us to keep our investments in the same place over longer periods of time, many of us can't resist moving them around frequently in hopes of making our funds grow bigger faster. This investing behavior, however, is usually doomed to fail. Explaining why we make bad financial choices, New York Times financial blogger Carl Richards helps us learn to rely on a balance of our intellect and emotions. If you prefer to make your own investment choices, this engaging and authoritative guide is a valuable resource.